Yeomen of the Guard Beefeaters bearing lanterns begin the ceremonial search of the Palace of Westminster's cellars before the state opening of Parliament.

Queen Elizabeth II arrives at the Palace of Westminster at the Soveriegn's Entrance and is escorted from her coach by the Duke of Edinburgh.

The Imperial State Crown is carried into Parliament for the Queen to wear during the state opening ceremony.

The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh make their way in procession through the Royal Gallery to the House of Lords chamber to address peers and MPs.

Peers gather in the House of Lords chamber to hear the speech, and are joined by MPs who have been ceremonially summoned from the Commons by Black Rod to be present when the Queen makes her speech.

From the throne of the Lords chamber, the Queen delivers the speech outlining the government's legislative programme for the year ahead.